MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a major escalation of its military engagement in the Horn of Africa, Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets have reportedly conducted airstrikes against Al-Shabaab targets in Somalia. The operation marks the first time Ankara has deployed manned combat aircraft for offensive missions on Somali soil, signaling a decisive shift from its long-standing advisory and training role to active airpower projection.
Newly emerged footage appears to confirm the combat deployment, showing Turkish F-16s operating over Mogadishu. The strikes follow the arrival of three F-16 aircraft at Aden Adde International Airport on January 28. The jets, accompanied by support personnel and equipment, were deployed to bolster the Somali Federal Government’s capabilities in its ongoing counter-insurgency campaign against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group.
Defense analysts view this development as a significant turning point in the security dynamics of the region. For over a decade, Turkey has been a key ally to Somalia, primarily providing military training, infrastructure development, and drone support through the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial systems. The introduction of manned supersonic fighters introduces a new layer of operational capability, allowing for more rapid response times and heavier payload delivery against fortified insurgent positions.
The transition to active combat sorties underscores Ankara’s deepening commitment to Somalia’s stability and territorial integrity. Turkish officials have previously characterized their military presence in Mogadishu—home to TURKSOM, Turkey’s largest overseas military base—as a partnership aimed at rebuilding the Somali National Army. However, the deployment of F-16s suggests a move toward direct intervention to protect strategic interests and support Somali forces in high-intensity operations.
This escalation comes amidst a volatile security environment in the Horn of Africa, where the Somali government continues to battle Al-Shabaab insurgents who control large swathes of the countryside. The militant group has frequently targeted civilians, government officials, and African Union peacekeepers. The addition of Turkish airpower is expected to provide critical close air support for Somali ground troops during offensive maneuvers.
While neither the Turkish Ministry of National Defense nor Somali officials have released a detailed casualty assessment from the initial strikes, sources indicate the operation targeted key Al-Shabaab command centers and logistical hubs near the capital. The deployment is also seen as a message of deterrence to regional rivals, reaffirming Turkey’s status as a primary security guarantor for the federal government in Mogadishu.
As operations continue, the presence of Turkish fighter jets over the skies of Mogadishu represents a new chapter in the international effort to stabilize the nation, with Ankara taking a more visible and kinetic role in the conflict.
* hornreview.org
* europeaninterest.eu
* shabellemedia.com
* hurriyetdailynews.com
